Your answers blew us away – the hardest part was picking only 3 winners.

The winning submissions are below:

Facebook

Kevin Bissonette

There is something profoundly amazing about the depth of flavour you can experience by drinking craft beer. It is an escape from the generic A+B=C recipe that has dominated the beer scene for years now. Each brew, slightly different than the next, are a welcomed breath of fresh air to those who love the art and flavours of beer, not just getting a little tipsy. PLUS, SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY!

Instagram

Twitter

@JohnCasey79

@SteamWhistle Supporting local economy as well as bringing job creation and tourism to the areas showcasing the craftsmanship. #keepitcraft

Thanks to everyone who let us know why they #keepitcraft on the daily and give us a follow on our social media feeds for more contesting opportunities!

We asked you to show us your best Winterized snaps to win our winter survival pack.

We had so many awesome submissions we couldn’t pick just one – check em’ out below!

Honorable mentions

@ChristinaSkuce

@hoods87

@seanmcdonaldphotos

Our first place #Swinterized contest winner is @virtualvanner who left out a frosty pint for Santa rather than milk on Christmas Eve.

Cheers to everyone who shared their awesome holiday photos!

]]>http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2015/01/13/winterized-contest-winners/feed/0Name our Glass!http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/08/14/name-our-glass/
http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/08/14/name-our-glass/#commentsThu, 14 Aug 2014 18:42:37 +0000http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/?p=2234Our new glass holds 4 ounces more – tell us what to name it and win merch from our store!

We’ve got a brand spanking new glass that we’re introducing! Standing large and in charge at 24 ounces, our new glass is approximately 4 oz. heftier than our largest glass so it’s essential she gets an awesome name.

(We decided that our new glass is a she based on the elegant base but don’t let that sway you in the name department).

Now let’s see what you got – the winner of our Name our Glass contest gets a $50 credit to our e-store and a set of glasses for themselves.

Twitter : Tell us your name idea using the hashtag #Nameourglass to win.

]]>http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/08/14/name-our-glass/feed/18Here’s a team you can get behind!http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/06/09/heres-a-team-you-can-get-behind/
http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/06/09/heres-a-team-you-can-get-behind/#commentsMon, 09 Jun 2014 15:09:51 +0000http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/?p=2107Is your team still in the Stanley Cup Finals? If not, don’t worry, here’s a team you can cheer on! This week, a Q&A with hockey and beer fan, Dion Griarte who recently commissioned this custom Steam Whistle goalie mask.

Where and for how long have you been playing goalie?

I play for True North hockey league in Brampton on the Abominable Snowmen. I’ve actually just started playing in net the last 2 years. As expensive as hockey is money came into factor when I was a kid and couldn’t play. But I was put in swimming which I loved. Hockey was my fav to watch on t.v. And I’m a huge Brodeur fan! Always wished to play. Once I had my first part time job, used the money to take some hockey lessons and get the game going. Once I knew how to skate properly and play I switched to Goalie! I play 4 times a week and love it!

What inspired you to want a Steam Whistle goalie mask?

I couldn’t think of what to put on my mask for the longest time! My friends know me for loving Steam Whistle, Pittsburgh Penguins and Blue Jays. Hockey and beer have been friends for a very long time. What better to do than put my fav beer on my mask!!

I wrote to Steam Whistle to see if they were Ok to have me use their graphics on my mask. Greg hooked me up with Rob Taylor. I knew Rob was the one who had drawn all of the retro vehicles (Rob, also a brewery fan, who had illustrated the brewery’s fleet vintage fleet to display at the brewery) and my fav was The Steam Machine! I wanted to incorporate that design in my mask. I definitely wanted it Steam Whistle green! Knowing how talented Rob was, I trusted him to design what he felt looked best. I am so happy and shocked how well it turned out. Couldn’t have had a better done mask.

Here Robert Taylor explains his design:

I did the mask the old fashioned way by hand with a brush as well as some airbrushing. I took the style of the flames off the Steam Machine, doing those first then layered everything else simple and clean. I had to have the Steam Whistle stand out and be seen from far away, kept it simple. I gave it life without the commercial look.

Dion, has anything remarkable happened since wearing that mask? Like win all your games, get asked to play for the NHL, get bought a lot of beers by your team?

I wish I was asked to play in the NHL! So far no winning streaks but still winning games! But… I get sooooooo many compliments on my mask. Everyone loves it. It stands out! People love the idea and how sexy it looks!

Have a great season Dion!If you want to gear up with a Steam Whistle hockey jersey or hockey bag, visit our new E-store: http://shop.steamwhistle.ca/

A long time supporter of Steam Whistle, recently returned from a month long trip through Asia which included a 2 week trek in Nepal and a visit to Everest Base Camp (EBC). He wanted to do something special once he reached EBC and thought that the best way to reward himself with a Steam Whistle. Before he left Toronto, Mike packed a 355ml can in his luggage and carried it all the way to EBC (including carting it around China for 2 weeks before heading to Nepal). Simply amazing!

Here’s what Mike says about his journey.

What inspired your mission to Mount Everest?

As far as what brought us to Everest Base Camp (or EBC as it’s sometimes known), I guess it’s just something that my wife and I have always wanted to do. We love the mountains and we’ve done a fair bit of hiking and trekking over the years. We both had “milestone birthdays” this year, so we figured now was the time to tick this one off the list. Needless to say it was an absolutely amazing experience.

Just to be clear, we didn’t make it to the summit of Everest, just to Base Camp. Now, Base Camp is still at about 17,500 ft above sea level so it was still quite an ordeal to get up there. The trek to Base Camp and back took about 12 days and required us to hike over 120km and gain more 3,000m in elevation from our starting point. It was a big challenge – but not in the same league as a trip to the summit would have been!

What was the most challenging part of the climb?

The challenges were significant – both mentally and physically – but the rewards were amazing. The scenery in the Himalayas is like nothing else in the world and the sense of accomplishment in getting to EBC was pretty immense.

What’s your Steam Whistle story?

First off, I love the taste of the beer and always have. I’m a bit of a “beer nerd” and I’ve tried hundreds of brands and styles from all over the world. However, Steam Whistle has been and continues to be my “go to” beer 365 days per year (there is always a bottle or can of it in my fridge…always). It’s got a great flavour. It’s crisp, its refreshing and it’s very drinkable. Second, I frankly just love everything about the brand. I love the logo, colours, and unique glass bottle. I love the “Steam Whistle Mythology”. I love the Roundhouse. I love the vintage vehicles. I could go on, but you get the idea. For whatever reason, these are all things I have always identified with and been drawn to. Of course, the people have always been a bit part of the story as well. Everyone I have ever met who works for Steam Whistle is friendly, engaging and obviously very passionate about what they do. I think that’s probably what’s at the heart of all the success that you guys have had.

I couldn’t think of a better way to “reward myself” for accomplishing my goal than to enjoy a can of my favourite pilsner. It wasn’t fun to carry that little can around with me for the month leading up to reaching EBC, but it was definitely worth it. It was delicious!!

Steam Whistle is a proud supporter of the written art in Canada by taking part in various community events, including The Writers’ Guild of Canada. It goes without saying that when we received a screen play from a Good Beer Folk enthusiast, we were eager to read it. Especially since it’s titled THE CHRONICLES OF DOROTHY HOPS and includes Steam Whistle!

So, who is Sydney?

Pen name: Sydney Kirk

Age: 23

Residence: Toronto

Bio: A struggling writer who can’t get Steam Whistle off his mind.The Chronicles of Dorothy Hops follows a young man as he tries to make life a little easier for an exceptional lady.

Inspiration:

Read below – and let us know what you think.

THE CHRONICLES OF DOROTHY HOPS: PART I

I’m pedalling faster than I’ve ever pedalled before. If this ancient bike of mine had the swift option of changing gears; taking that curb at near lightning speed wouldn’t have been so dubious. A little scrape, a little bump, who am I to complain? I just met the most vigorous woman quite possibly to ever live. As I zigzag up the stairs to my apartment, my fellow citizens just stare, perplexed, as I probably look like I just split the atom. I contemplated stopping to explain the reasoning for my burst of speed, but halted to the thought as what I witnessed today seemed almost like a fairy tale.

I’m not losing my mind, I specifically remember my associate telling me I will be care-taking an extremely elderly woman who lived on the West side of the city. There’s no way I just imagined the most magical day of my life. So without further ado, I’ll try my best to bring you up to speed.

I could hear “Eye of The Tiger” by Survivor, blasting through the other side of the door. Worried of possible young ragamuffins intruding her apartment- I barged through the door to discover the mysterious source. I’ll never forget the first time I saw her. It felt like I was in a larger-than-life movie scene; just the way she gazed right into my soul- reading through my life, page by page, in a manner of seconds. It dawned on me that the iconic 1982 Rocky III soundtrack had suddenly stopped. I can’t explain how, but I think she was somehow playing the song in my mind and kindly decided to turn it off. Dorothy Hops was her name, and this vibrant eight-seven year old woman unknowingly rehabilitated my life today. Don’t let the age deceive you; she easily looks at least ten years younger. I found that out the hard way.

DOROTHY

Did the agency send you?

SYDNEY

Yes mam, I’m here to offer you my assistance in anything you need.

DOROTHY

A shot of bourbon and a Cuban cigar would be dandy.

Sarcasm was difficult to detect.

DOROTHY (CONT’D)

I’m just kidding kiddo. Would you like a glass of juice?

Who’s taking care of whom?

As I surveyed the tidy abode, I did happen to notice some rather distinct features. The entire loft was decked out in Steam Whistle memorabilia. It looked magnificent! Dorothy’s vintage furniture was encapsulated by an odd combination of yoga mats, bar bells, and a heavy-duty punching bag. I must have held a glance too long, as her left-eye was cocked right at me.

DOROTHY

My son works for Steam Whistle Brewery. He’s on a sabbatical for the next two weeks and has organized a jovial itinerary for my best friend, Betty Dunlop and I to complete.

SYDNEY

Oh, I’ve heard good things.

DOROTHY

Yeah I know- Betty’s a real hoot.

She’s quite sharp. Who are you again? Some old gal I’m supposed to help out?

SYDNEY

So tell me a little about this itinerary of yours.

DOROTHY

My son has set-up four different events for us to attend. He was keen on that number because the Steam Whistle Pilsner is made up of only four natural ingredients: spring water, malted barley, yeast and/

SYDNEY

Dorothy Hops.

I thought she cracked a smile. I was wrong.

DOROTHY

Oh, I was unaware that I had wise guy coming to take care of me today.

SYDNEY

To be honest, I’ve never tried the beer. I have no idea why.

As she swigged a massive gulp of organic tomato juice, I couldn’t figure out if she said “you will soon” or “let’s have a push-up contest”

DOROTHY

Are you trying to grow a moustache?

SYDNEY

I’m thinking about it.

DOROTHY

I would advise against that. Unless your contemplating applying Rogaine to your face.

Along with eating as many oysters as humanly possible in hopes of the high zinc treat producing some extra testosterone.

DOROTHY

You know, I can hear what you’re thinking.

SYDNEY

You can?

DOROTHY

Well, no. But I don’t like awkward beats. Do you box?

Before I knew it, my back was against the wall and I no other choice but to lace up a pink-set of boxing gloves. She chose the red set, for symbolic reasons, of course.

I would love to tell you that the boxing match was close… but to be frank, she kicked my ass. Two times literally, and four agonizing minutes figuratively. And as I was bombarded with left and right combos from the peppy lass; she also fired at my mind with stimulating environmental questions. It became quite evident that she’s very proud of her son working for Steam Whistle Brewery. It was rapid fire, and every mind-boggling question I got wrong, she took the intensity up a notch.

KA-BLAM (body-shot) Who would have thought that Steam Whistle’s truck fleet uses B20 Bio Fuel and the company is a Bullfrog powered Brewery.

KA-BOOM (left-hook) I’ve learned that green bottle represents the environment quite well. Simply by using 30% more glass, the bottle is able to be re-filled up to 45 times before it breaks.

KA-BOOM (roundhouse kick) I never would have guessed their prize truck, Retro Electro, is 100% electric.

I could sit here and tell you that I didn’t take any self-defence swings at her. But luckily, not remembering has saved my humility. Honestly, in the melee, I think I attempted to throw a left, but I actually came so close to striking myself that I just decided to accept the eighty-seven year olds fist of fury.

It’s a funny thing. As I gasped for air, drenched in sweat, I couldn’t help but recall all the fascinating facts Dorothy pounded into my mind. You would think that my day of “helping” Ms. Hops was full of embarrassment. But I like to think it was full of possibilities. Not knowing where to go next, as she grinned and put a Band-Aid on my bottom-lip, I asked her with the utmost sincerity;

SYDNEY

What should I do next? I need your help.

It’s time I listen to Yoda’s mentor.

DOROTHY

Were you impressed by all my talents today?

SYDNEY

Just a little.

DOROTHY

I’m sorry about that round-house kick. I didn’t know I still had it in me.

That hurt more than my first love lighting my favourite album on fire while dumping me.

DOROTHY (CONT’D)

All I want is for you to do one thing really, really well.

SYDNEY

And what’s that?

DOROTHY

Write your story and the rest will fall into place.

SYDNEY

How did you know I was a writer?

DOROTHY

You make observations quite well. Even as I handed you your jockstrap in our spirited bout; I could tell you were taking in everything you witnessed today.

I forget how to talk. Oh, wait that’s a swollen jaw.

DOROTHY (CONT’D)

Do you need any more material?

Knowing that was a rhetorical question, I gave a wryly smile and kissed her on the cheek goodbye.

Feeling quite parched from the bike ride home, I opened my fridge to locate a cold beverage to quench my thirst with last-night’s leftover dinner. And there it was! If the Aurora Borealis could be captured in my fridge; this is what it would look like! The uncanny glow radiating from the green six-pack resonated through my entire apartment. There was no note attached. It didn’t need one. I knew who it was from. Dorothy Hops sprinted across the busy downtown streets, hurdling over taxis and pedestrians like it was her day job, before stealthily scheming through my habitat.

Tasting a Steam Whistle Pilsner was like watching the sunrise with the love of my life. Well, almost as good. And as I began to write out a first draft, I started to feel an infinite feeling of hopefulness. I think a certain someone triggered this wonderful disposition. To be honest, even though it was at times quite humbling, I’m quite content with how my day unfolded. Not only was it thought-provoking; but I also figured out the name and inspiration for my lead character: D.H.